Distribution of calcium in the suctorian Discophrya collini: an x-ray microanalytical study.
Discophrya collini is a free-living suctorian with tentacles which can be induced to contract by means of a range of experimental stimuli, including the application of CaCl2 and MgCl2 but not BaCl2. X-ray microanalysis of glutaraldehyde-only fixed cells shows Ca to be present in the cytoplasmic ground substance and elongate dense bodies (EDB). In 10(-1) M CaCl2-treated cells, calcium levels remain unchanged except for a three-fold increase in the EDB. Treatment of cells with 10(-1) M MgCl2 and 10(-1) M BaCl2 does not result in their detection in the cell. It is suggested that EDB may act as reservoirs controlling levels of calcium.
D000818:Animals; D001464:Barium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005976:Glutaral; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
D001464:Barium; D002118:Calcium; D005976:Glutaral